Jaco Travel Guide

Jaco
Overview

Less than two hours west from San Jose, Jaco is one of Costa Rica’s prime coastal resorts, famed for its incredible surf and wild nightlife. Starting life as a quintessential coastal town, since the 1990s Jaco has been attracting hoards of foreign visitors and locals desperate to escape the capital and ride the big breaks, fish until their heart’s content and party hard into the early hours. Furthermore, with consistently balmy temperatures, the town provides the perfect setting for lazy days on the beach and perfect sunsets.

The main town itself consists of a long stretch of beach lined with a wealth of budget digs and hotels of all description, tacky souvenir stalls and seafood restaurants. Running parallel to the beach the main strip is a constantly busy collection of more restaurants, boisterous bars and the obligatory strip bars. With the use of a car or scooter, those looking for a more chilled out vibe can head a few miles along the coast in either direction to the surf beaches of Playa Hermosa and Playa Herradura. Jaco is small enough to cover end to end on foot and it would be possible to see everything in a single day, however it is also a good place to kick back and take your time.

Unfortunately Jaco comes with a downside of drugs and prostitution, which can both be hidden and openly thrown in your face, and in turn comes the inevitable crime. Nevertheless, in recent years, levels have dropped and for those who keep their wits about them there is no reason for not enjoying sleepy days on the beach, thrashing about in the waves and innocent late night fun.

Things to do in
Jaco

Jaco Beaches - Of the 2 major draws to Jaco the beaches certainly take top billing. Jaco Beach itself is not the most beautiful you will find, however, head a few miles north or south and you’ll find a surfer’s paradise of palm line golden sand. North to town, Playa Herradura is fast becoming a popular spot for those wanting to escape the Jaco crowds. Playa Hermosa, c6 miles south, is the top surfing destination with consistent waves and hosting its own international surf competition. For something more secluded, continue south to Playa Esterillos, a small rarely visited beach where you can enjoy the sand and ocean to yourself. The waters off Jaco’s beaches are known to posses strong riptides, therefore be cautious when swimming.

Jaco Watersports - With beach life always comes water sports and surfing and body-boarding are by far the front runners. Jaco is one of few places in the world where surfers will find consistently clean breaks the whole year round, paving the way for the influx of keen surfers. The waters are infamous for their riptides and Playa Hermosa is particularly recommended to only advanced swimmers/surfers. For first timers, Jaco Surf School run individual and group lessons.

Bungee Jumping - If the adrenalin generated from the waves is not enough then have a go at the 40m bungee jump looking out to the ocean or try the Rocket Launcher shooting passengers from 0 - 100km/h in 3 seconds.

Rainmaker Aerial Walkway - Superb network of suspension bridges that connect various treetop platforms spread throughout the forest. With its highest point at around 20 storeys, the platforms allow visitors to appreciate the biodiversity of the forest and spot an abundance of fauna.

Jaco Nightlife - Number 2 on the list of reasons for visiting Jaco is its famed party life. The town of Jaco and beachside are literally jammed with bars, beach shacks and the odd casino. Popular and ever busy spots around town are the legendary Beatle Bar and recently refurbished Monkey Bar. Los Amigos offers a more serene vibe and plenty of TVs for those wanting to catch up on the latest sport. Anyone up for a gamble can check out Jazz Casino and Stellaris Casinoat Los Suenos Resort.

Jaco
Weather

Jaco
Travel Resources

Baraaza Community

Baraaza Guides are free and a great way to get relevant and up to date information
on practically any destination on the planet. Our wiki-style travel guides are created
and maintained by our travel community and we hope you will join in and help us
keep this guide up to date.

We ask that you do what you can and share your worldly knowledge of destinations
you have visited by updating our wiki-style guides, writing destination reviews,
sharing destination photos and videos and making yourself available to those who
may have questions about destinations you have already visited.

We hope that the information found in this guide helps you travel better, smarter
and with more freedom.